Newman ministers spending less than Labor

QUEENSLAND'S cost-cutting ministers have spent about $750,000 less than their predecessors over a six month period.

Premier Campbell Newman says his ministers spent about $17.19 million from July 1 to December 31 last year.

The former Labor government spent $17.94 million over the same period in 2011.

But while Mr Newman's government generally spent less in most areas, the expense of ministers travelling to and from their electorates was far higher, at $150,932 compared to $79,759 for Labor.

Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney took up almost two-thirds of that bill - $97,541 - travelling to and from his rural central Queensland electorate of Callide.

Mr Seeney has previously come under fire for spending on charter flights to his home at Monto, when the opposition argued he could have used commercial flights from nearby Thangool.

The hefty travel bill contributed to Mr Seeney spending about $157,000 more than former Brisbane-based deputy premier Andrew Fraser ($1,216,683 compared to $1,059,301).

Nevertheless, Mr Newman said his aim since taking office was to ensure the ministry operated with "economy and efficiency".

"This report shows that ministerial expenditure has been kept to reasonable levels, which reflects the priority of this government to act in a fiscally responsible way," he told parliament on Thursday.